Snap Fitness Blog

What if we told you there was something on your grocery store shelf that could help fight certain types of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and help with weight loss? On top of all of that, it is good for your hair, skin, and you can cook with it? Can you guess what it is?

Coconut oil is your answer! Coconut oil is a natural remedy that has been around for centuries, but until recently has created buzz in the health and wellness industry. Studies show that consuming good, healthy fats like those found in coconut oil leave us feeling more satisfied and less likely to snack on unhealthy foods to curb cravings. Let’s take a look as to why coconut oil is so beneficial and how you can start using it to better your overall health.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Weight Loss

Yes, coconut oil is a fat, but it actually can help in losing weight. The body does not store the fat in coconut oil as fat, but instead converts it into energy.

Diabetes

Coconut oil helps regulate blood sugar levels in the bloodstream.

Healthy Skin & Hair

Coconut oil is shown to help with bruising, scars, and cellulite. It is also good on the hair as it contains natural oils the body loses over time.

Helps with Brain Function

Studies have shown that coconut oil can improve cognitive function

Lowers Cholesterol

Coconut oil is made up on lauric acid which protects the heart by reducing total cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.

Cooking with Coconut Oil

Unlike many other cooking oils, coconut oil can withstand high cooking temperatures. It’s the perfect addition to stir fry’s, baking, and roasting. Below are a list of substitutions and ideas for adding coconut oil into your diet.

Replace Butter for Coconut Oil in Baking

Because of its high saturated fat content, coconut oil has the same consistency as butter.

- Melt coconut oil on top of toast, popcorn, or fish.

- Add coconut oil into your smoothie for added flavor.

- Swap out olive oil when roasting vegetables with coconut oil.

- Use coconut oil in your coffee or tea as creamer.

It won’t take long to notice the benefits of coconut oil on your skin, hair, and in your cooking. It isn’t surprising why this natural remedy has been around for centuries, and remains a great health-aid for all types of ailments.

Nothing spruces up a recipe better than the flavor of pumpkin. Did you know that pumpkin puree is low in calories and fat, not to mention it also contains vitamins and antioxidants? You will be in heaven with this recipe for Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes. They are full of great flavor, and super moist. Top these cakes with your favorite hot maple syrup, pecans, or a dollop of butter.

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup all-purpose gluten-free baking flour

1 cup almond milk

1 egg

¾ cup pureed pumpkin

¼ cup buckwheat flour

2 Tbsp butter, melted

1 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together the egg, sugar and vanilla until foamy. Add melted butter and pureed pumpkin and combine well.

4. Heat a frying pan and use a 1/3 measuring cup to pour the batter on the heated frying pan. Once the top of the pancake starts to bubble, flip the pancake and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully.